Part 1: A Comedy of Manners: The Importance of Being Earnest

Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest highlights the divide between the social classes in Victorian society? "Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?" "What else should bring one anywhere? Eating as usual, I see, Algy!" "I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose." "I know. You are absurdly careless about sending out invitations. It is very foolish of you. Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations."

"Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?"

Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest is an example of a commentary on marriage? "I don't play accurately—any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression." "The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact." "The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. Gwendolen is devoted to bread and butter." "It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case."

"The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact."

Algernon. [Languidly.] I don't know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane. Lane. No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself. Algernon. Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you. Lane. Thank you, sir. [Lane goes out.] Algernon. Lane's views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility. How does Wilde use this conversation to poke fun at the class divisions of his day? Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class. Algernon excuses his servant after Lane provides refreshments, and the two men chat about marriage and family life. Lane defends marriage while Algernon jokes about it. Lane lectures Algernon about his disrespectful attitude.

Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class.

Jack. Gwendolen, will you marry me? [Goes on his knees.] Gwendolen. Of course I will, darling. How long you have been about it! I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose. Jack. My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you. Gwendolen. Yes, but men often propose for practice. I know my brother Gerald does. All my girl-friends tell me so. How does this dialogue poke fun at a society that takes marriage too lightly? Jack is joking about his marriage proposal. Jack tells Gwendolen that he loves no one else. Gwendolen is happy that Jack has finally asked her to marry him. Gwendolen says that her brother proposes to all her friends.

Gwendolen says that her brother proposes to all her friends.

Jack. Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. As far as she is concerned, we are engaged. Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a Gorgon . . . I don't really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair . . . I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn't talk about your own aunt in that way before you. Algernon. My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven't got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die. How does Oscar Wilde use Algernon's attitude to poke fun at society's traditional rules of behavior? In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to defend his aunt. Instead, he speaks freely about his feelings toward family. In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to speak kindly to Jack. Instead, he is harsh in his response. Algernon rises to his aunt's defense when Jack becomes critical of her personality. Algernon explains that his aunt is difficult, but that Gwendolen is a favorite cousin.

In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to defend his aunt. Instead, he speaks freely about his feelings toward family.

[Lady Bracknell.] I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know? Jack. [After some hesitation.] I know nothing, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. I am pleased to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. What does Wilde's use of humor critique in this excerpt? marriage education tradition government

education

Lady Bracknell. Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. . . . I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me. It is my last reception, and one wants something that will encourage conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much. What aspect of Lady Bracknell's behavior does Wilde use to poke fun at the importance placed on frivolous events in formal society? her concern with a party instead of Mr. Bunbury's health her interest in playing classical music at her reception her jealousy over Algernon's friendship with the sickly Mr. Bunbury her concern about the health of Algernon's friend

her concern with a party instead of Mr. Bunbury's health

Lady Bracknell. Pardon me, you are not engaged to any one. When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself . . . Wilde uses Lady Bracknell's words to poke fun at marriage by having her speak unhappily of her own marriage. speak lovingly of her own husband. imply that young women do not have a choice in their own marriages. imply that marriages are happiest when based on romantic love.

imply that young women do not have a choice in their own marriages.

Jack. My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist. It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn't a dentist. It produces a false impression. This excerpt best illustrates which feature of a comedy of manners? witty wordplay a commentary on marriage a comparison of country and city life concern with appearance over morality

witty wordplay

Which of these are features of a comedy of manners? Check all that apply. witty wordplay scientific explanations concern with appearances differences between social classes differences between country and city life

x - x x x